Class 1 Early Forecast: Who Can Return to Springfield in ’20?

Historically, the experienced, senior laden teams are the ones primed to survive the gauntlet of the season and make a deep postseason run to the Show-Me-Showdown at JQH Arena in Springfield. However, in Class 1 this year the exception appeared to be the rule as a crop of talented youngsters carried their respective teams all the way to the season's final weekend. There were memorable performances across the board, culminating with the Jefferson Eagles 75-65 championship win over Dora. Any fans who missed out on the teams in action just might have a chance to see them again next year. Prep Hoops took a look at this seasons Final Four teams, and some of them may have enough firepower returning to make a return trip next year.

Jefferson Eagles (28-4, Class 1 Champions)

Jefferson caught fire in March and rode the momentum all the way to a championship victory over Dora. They are losing a pair of double digit scorers but the cupboard is anything but bare. Leading scorer 6'2 Jr Clayton Merrigan will return. He averaged 13.4 points per game and pulled down over 5 rebounds per contest. Big man, 6'6 Jr Chase Farnan (12ppg/7rpg) will also return

Historically, the experienced, senior laden teams are the ones primed to survive the gauntlet of the season and make a deep postseason run to the Show-Me-Showdown at JQH Arena in Springfield. However, in Class 1 this year the exception appeared to be the rule as a crop of talented youngsters carried their respective teams all the way to the season's final weekend. There were memorable performances across the board, culminating with the Jefferson Eagles 75-65 championship win over Dora. Any fans who missed out on the teams in action just might have a chance to see them again next year. Prep Hoops took a look at this seasons Final Four teams, and some of them may have enough firepower returning to make a return trip next year.
Jefferson Eagles (28-4, Class 1 Champions)
Jefferson caught fire in March and rode the momentum all the way to a championship victory over Dora. They are losing a pair of double digit scorers but the cupboard is anything but bare. Leading scorer 6'2 Jr Clayton Merrigan will return. He averaged 13.4 points per game and pulled down over 5 rebounds per contest. Big man, 6'6 Jr Chase Farnan (12ppg/7rpg) will also return and is a huge piece for the Eagles. He was dominant in the championship game, pouring in a game-high 30 points in the win. Those two will tote the load and Jefferson will look for increased output from 5'7 Jr Steven Chor (5.1ppg) and 5'6 Jr Dalton Luke (6.8ppg) as they look to defend the Class 1 crown.
Dora Falcons (30-2, 2nd Place)
The Dora Falcons were one of the best stories across the state at all levels this season. Led by 5 sophomores, the Falcons played fast, with flare, and were unbeaten by teams from Missouri until they ran into a buzz-saw in the championship game. No worries Falcons fans, you should have two more years of excitement at opportunities to bring home the hardware. Everyone is scheduled to return for Dora. The biggest piece to the puzzle is 6'0 So Isaac Haney who put up a ridiculous 28 points per game, hitting nearly 100 threes on the season. He is a big-time talent that will continue to develop and terrorize opposing coaches and defenders. His supporting class is a family-affair. 5'11 So Bryson Luna (13.1ppg), 5'11 So Mason Luna (13.0ppg), and 5'11 So Auston Luna (7.3ppg) add to the Falcons firepower and they are likely to be the favorites going in to next season. Side note: keep an eye on Dora on the baseball diamond as well!
St. Elizabeth Hornets (24-6, 3rd Place)
The Hornets quite literally could not have come closer to a spot in the Class 1 championship game. They fell in overtime to Dora in the semifinals and had to settle for a 3rd Place trophy after knocking off Linn County in the consolation game. While they may have had a title run on their mind, the Hornets gained valuable postseason experience and should be one of the favorites to make it back to Springfield next season. They should return all 5 starters next season including "all-everything" 6'8 Jr Ross Struemph. He big man averaged 18 points and 7 rebounds per contest and was an imposing force inside at JQH. His front-court partner, 6'5 Jr Brady Heckemeyer, will return for his senior season as well after averaging nearly 10 points and 6 rebounds himself. The duo is likely to be the largest in Class 1. Back-court trio 6'0 Fr Brock Lucas (9.1ppg), 5'10 Jr Coltin Green (8.5ppg), and 6'4 Jr Nolan Heckemeyer (12.1 ppg) will look to increase their output from beyond the arc, and the Hornets will be hungry to finish the job in 2020.
Linn County Mustangs (15-9, 4th Place)
The Mustangs actually did have four seniors in their starting lineup and will be looking to replace 76% of their scoring next season. They will have one important piece back in 5'10 Jr Michael O'Kane who averaged 14.4 points including a team high 47 made three-pointers. He will be looked to to shoulder the load with hopeful increased contributions from 6th man 5'9 So Cody Murrell who contributed nearly 6 points and 5 rebounds per contest off the bench.

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